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Kahui under threat of further shoulder surgery

James Mortimer 06 May 2013 Getty Images

World Cup winning All Black and Chiefs back Richard Kahui may have played his last game in New Zealand, for now, with the physical midfielder's qualities meaning his shouder was always going to take a heavy pounding, with it likely the joint will rule him out again.

Kahui relishes the contact area, renowned as a defensive hitman, sparkling on the attack and unafraid of the opposition line, but he has been out injured of late, and Chiefs assistant coach Wayne Smith revealed to FairFax New Zealand News that while there was not confirmation of surgery, it wasn't looking positive.

"It's not looking good. There will be some sort of intervention," Smith said.

"I don't know to what degree. We're resigned to that."

Kahui has signed with Japanese club Toshiba, and he proved again he would be missed with some strapping performances for the Chiefs to show his qualities as a world class player, despite what position he plays.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said he would select Kahui despite the impending move, but it would be likely he wouldn't play for the World Champions in the upcoming Steinlager Series against France this June if the worst news came.

Smith agreed that Kahui wouldn't be donning the Black jersey in a hurry.

"It's a bugger because he was playing so well. He came back and made a real impact and then he's gone again," Smith said.

"We'll wait and see what the specialist says. You never know in this game. It could be different from what I said, but I doubt it. He didn't have a lot of power in it. It's pretty tough on him all right. We're just hoping to get a couple of others back."